Branstad signs teen driving rules into law

DES MOINES (AP) — Iowa teenagers who want their intermediate driver's license will have to wait a little longer under a bill signed into law by Gov. Terry Branstad.

Branstad signed 13 bills into law Wednesday, including one that requires minors to have their learners permit for a year instead of the current six months.

In Iowa, teenagers can get their intermediate license at age 16, and a full license at 17.

The new law also says minors with an intermediate license are only allowed to drive with one unrelated minor within the first six months of having it. But they could drive more if accompanied by a parent, guardian or driving instructor. Currently they're allowed to drive as many passengers as there are seatbelts.